Bar connector assembly

ABSTRACT

A connector ( 10 ) and a U-shaped section of reinforcing bar ( 11 ) secured within the connector by a retainer ( 14 ). The connector ( 10 ) is symmetrical about the axial line ( 12 ) so that a corresponding reinforcing bar ( 11 ) may be located in the opposite side of the connector. The connector includes a seat section ( 13 ) and a retainer section ( 14 ). The seat section ( 13 ) includes opposed D-shaped lands ( 15 ) and ( 16 ) defining thereabout channels ( 17 ) and ( 18 ) into which the curved sections ( 19 ) of reinforcing bars ( 11 ) can be located and positioned. The retainer ( 14 ) includes a T-shaped projection ( 20 ) that extends transverse straight across the connector and serves to block compressive movement of the bars. The lands ( 15 ) and ( 16 ) inhibit deformation of the U-shaped bars when they are placed under tension. The projection ( 20 ) of the retainer and its engagement with the seat section serves to apply an outward force to the bars and an inward force to the lands ( 15 ) and ( 16 ) as the retainer is driven into place.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to a bar connector assembly and in particular butnot limited to a bar connector assembly used to couple or connectU-shaped ends of adjacent reinforcing bars and preferably couple them ina common plane.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is customary to use lap bars projecting from a slab of concrete toconnect bars in an adjacent slab. One example is where lap bars are usedin a wall rebate to connect a floor to the wall.

In DE 3634568 (DENNERT KG VEIT) there is described a tensioning elementfor the frictionally locking connection of prefabricated concretecompound units (prefabricated floor slab) having a basic body and atleast one tensioning member which is rotatably mounted in the basicbody. As tensioning member, use is made of an eccentric shaft which islaid in a reinforcing loop of the prefabricated concrete compound unitsand, with its eccentric circumference, acts on the rounded portion ofthe loop from the inside. The eccentric shaft can rotate relative to thereinforcing loop, as a result of which the tensioning part is produced.The tensioning part of the eccentric shaft is configured as a flatcylindrical eccentric disk.

In JP10140670 (SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION CO LTD) there is described areinforcement connecting structure between precast concrete blocks, sothat reinforcements arranged respectively in two precast concrete blockscan be firmly connected to each other. The reinforcement connectingstructure comprises U-shapedly bent reinforcements respectively buriedin two precast concrete blocks and the U-shaped curved parts are exposedin the vicinity of the joint end of the concrete blocks. Both the blocksare arranged so the curved parts of the reinforcements are arranged intwo concrete blocks in confronting relation and a pair of saddle-likelock metal fittings in contact with the inside of the respective curvedparts. These lock metal fittings are connected together through boltsand nuts, and are fastened so as to introduce a little tension to thereinforcements on both sides.

Each of the aforementioned connectors employ mechanisms which activelytension the opposed loops but in each case the connectors do not takeinto account compression that may occur over time. In addition theapplication of the connector requires adjustment, in the case of theGerman patent, the eccentric shafts have to be adjusted, in the case ofthe Japanese patent the nuts have to be adjusted and this process can betime-consuming where a large number of connectors are being used.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least to somedegree the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment the present invention resides in a barconnector assembly comprising a body having a bar seat section and a barretainer moveable relative to the seat section to enable entry of a barinto the assembly, the seat section being adapted to receive andposition a second bar relative to an adjacent bar connected to theassembly, the retainer being moveable between a first position allowingthe second bar to be placed on the seat section and a second position toblock removal of the second bar from the assembly.

In another preferred form the present invention comprises a connectorassembly for connecting together opposed reinforcement bars wherein atleast one of the bars comprises a loop section, the connector assemblyhaving a main body and a separate bridging member, the main body havingan opening and a loop section seat accessible through the opening sothat the loop section may be secured to the main body when positioned onthe seat, the bridging member being adapted to bridge across the openingwhen it is coupled to the main body, the other bar being otherwiseconnected to the main body opposite the loop section seat, the relativedimensions of the bars, the main body and the bridging member being sochosen and arranged that a rigid portion of the assembly is locatedbetween the bars to resist compressive forces which may tend to forcethe bars toward each other and a further rigid section of the assemblyis located in the loop section to resist deformation of the loop sectionwhen under tension. The bridging member in this embodiment correspondsto the retainer of the first mentioned embodiment.

Typically the bar connector assembly enables connection of bars to theassembly so that bars extend from the connector in opposite directions.The bars typically have ends configured so that the ends mat be heldcaptive in the assembly. One or both bars may be single bars having anend projection that fits into the main body and is held captive. Forexample, the end may be T-shaped. The end may be U-shaped and so on.

Preferably, the seat section comprises a curved channel into which acurved section of bar is positioned, the channel being at a boundary ofan upstanding land filling the inside of the curved section so that upona load being applied to the bar in tension, the land section aids inretaining the bar in position and inhibits its deformation.

The retainer preferably comprises a solid piece driven in to secure thesecond bar in position. The retainer typically comprises an edgewaysslidable member able to slide into the body after the bar has beeninserted, the bar in combination with the seat section and the retainerserving to secure the retainer and thereby the bar in position in theseat section. The retainer preferably bridges across opposite sides ofthe body such that the body and retainer have at least one of the barslocated between them.

Preferably the assembly is symmetrical so that two identically shapedcurved bars are connected together by the assembly with the bars soconnected together occupying a common plane. The bars are typicallyU-shaped ends of projecting rebars of known type.

The main body preferably includes a retainer guideway and the retainerhas a guide that travels on the guideway, the guide and/or guidewayhaving a slight taper so that the retainer is wedged in position. Inthis embodiment where the bar is curved the retainer generates aclamping force on the curved section of the bar with an outward forceapplied in the direction of tension and an inward force opposite theoutward force.

Typically, any gaps between the bars are filled by the assembly so thatcompressive movement is blocked and the assembly is symmetrical in termsof force distribution in side view with the main body resisting tensionon one side of the reinforcing bars and the retainer bridging theopposite side of the reinforcing bars to resist tension so that forceapplied to the bars is distributed evenly through the assembly.

Preferably, the second bar is curved and the retainer generates aclamping force on the curved section of the bar with an outward forceapplied in the direction of tension and an inward force opposite theoutward force.

Preferably, the second bar is curved and the retainer is wedged againstthe second bar.

Preferably, the assembly has two opposed seats and both bars are curvedhaving curved sections in confronting relation when located in operativeposition and the retainer is wedged between the bars.

Preferably, the assembly has two opposed seats defined as the innerperipheral portion of opposed lands and both bars are curved havingcurved sections in confronting relation and wrapped around therespective lands when located in operative position and the retainer iswedged between the bars applying an outward force to the bars andbridges across the lands applying an inward force to each of the landstending to prevent separation of the lands when tensioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood andput into practical effect, reference will now be made to theaccompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of theinvention and wherein:—

FIG. 1 is a side view of a connector assembly according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a section through A-A of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are assembled views from opposite sides; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with slight modification.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there isillustrated a connector 10 and a U-shaped section of reinforcing bar 11secured within the connector. It will be appreciated that thereinforcing bar 11 does not constitute part of the present invention.The connector 10 in this case is symmetrical so that a correspondingreinforcing bar 11 may be located in the opposite side of the connectoras will be described below. The reinforcing bar has been omitted fromthe opposite side so that the features of the opposite side may beillustrated more clearly, it being appreciated that the connector issymmetrical about the axial line 12.

The connector includes a seat section 13 and a retainer section 14. Theseat section 13 includes opposed D-shaped lands 15 and 16 definingthereabout channels 17 and 18 into which the curved sections 19 ofreinforcing bars 11 can be located and positioned, the retainer 14includes a T-shaped projection 20 that extends transverse straightacross the coupling as can clearly be seen by the hatch section in FIG.2. The projection 20 abuts the bars in a wedging action and applies aslight outward force while at the same time inhibits compression thatmight otherwise cause the bars to move together thereby cracking theconcrete. The D-shaped lands act in tension to keep the shape of theloop sections and prevent the loop section closing.

The seat section and the retainer section are cast iron selectedaccording to appropriate loading as would be desirable in a concretefloor or wall construction or any application where the connector may beused according to engineering specifications.

Thus, the loops 11 would typically project from a concrete wallconstruction or floor construction and be connected to reinforcing in anadjacent structure using the connector 10. Since the retainer is locatedin position by a transverse sliding action the relative dimensions ofthe body, the retainer and the bar may be selected so that the retainermay be driven into position and it is the tangential engagement whichretains the retainer in a secured position against the loop section 19.Alternatively, the mating sliding surfaces of the seat section andretainer may have slight taper so that the retainer is wedged in place.The taper may be on one or the other or both. Thus in FIG. 1 the arrowsdemonstrate the effect of the retainer being secured to the seatsection, with that portion of the retainer in contact with the barsgenerating an outward force on the bars in the direction of tension andthe retainer further generating an inward force on the D-shaped lands 15and 16 effectively clamping the curved sections of bar. This alsoinhibits spreading of the D-shaped lands when tensioned.

It will be appreciated that the present invention resides in connectingopposite bars together using a two part assembly that blocks the effectof tension and compression. This can be where in one half of theconnector it may be preferable to have a loop bar in some circumstancesof the type illustrated at 11, and this may be coupled to a single barthreadedly inserted into the seat section opposite the loop. It will beappreciated that this can be accomplished with bars in the same plane byslight modification of the seat section to extend and for the retaineron the opposite side to extend to accommodate a threading of the seatsection so that the single bar and the loop 11 are located in the sameplane. In this arrangement of course, the connector will not besymmetrical in side view. This is one example of a modification thatwould be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thebroad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set forth. Anothervariation might be to create a retainer which bridges across theD-shaped lands and either the retainer or lands have projections thatproject through opening in the other and are retained in place by awedges. The disadvantage with this arrangement, of course, is that itinvolves extra parts. FIG. 7 illustrates in further variation. Likenumerals illustrate like features. In this embodiment the arrowsdemonstrate the same clamping action but sections 21 and 22 have beenremoved from the retainer 14 and the outer portions 23 and 24 aredovetailed with a matching undercut in the lands 25 and 26.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of thepresent invention many variations and modifications thereto will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broadambit and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

1. A bar connector assembly comprising a body having a bar seat sectionand a bar retainer moveable relative to the seat section to enable entryof a bar into the assembly, the seat section being adapted to receiveand position a second bar relative to an adjacent bar already connectedto the assembly, the retainer being moveable between a first positionallowing the second bar to be placed on the seat section and a secondposition to block removal of the second bar from the assembly.
 2. Aconnector assembly according to claim 1 for connecting together opposedreinforcement bars wherein at least one of the bars comprises a loopsection, the body of the connector assembly comprising a main body andthe retainer comprising a separate bridging member, the main body havingan opening, the seat section comprising a loop section seat accessiblethrough the opening so that the loop section may be secured to the mainbody when positioned on the seat, the bridging member being adapted tobridge across the opening when it is coupled to the main body, the otherbar being otherwise connected to the main body opposite the loop sectionseat, the relative dimensions of the bars, the main body and thebridging member being so chosen and arranged that a rigid portion of theassembly is located between the bars to resist compressive forces whichmay tend to force the bars toward each other and a further rigid sectionof the assembly is located in the loop section to resist deformation ofthe loop section when under tension.
 3. A connector assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein the bar connector assembly enables connection of barsto the assembly so that bars extend from the connector in oppositedirections.
 4. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein theconnector assembly is configured and the bars have ends configured sothat the ends may be held captive in the assembly.
 5. A connectorassembly according to claim 1 wherein one of the said bars is a singlenon-loop bar having an end projection that fits into the main body andis held captive.
 6. A connector assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe seat section comprises a curved channel into which a curved sectionof bar is positioned, the channel being a the boundary of an upstandingland filling the inside of the curved section so that upon a load beingapplied to the bar in tension, the land section aids in retaining thebar in position and inhibits its deformation.
 7. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises an edgeways slidablemember able to slide into the body after the bar has been inserted, thebar in combination with the seat section and the retainer serving tosecure the retainer and thereby the bar in position in the seat section.8. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retainerbridges across opposite sides of the body such that the body andretainer have at least one of the bars located between them.
 9. Aconnector assembly according to claim 1 wherein the assembly issymmetrical so that two identically shaped curved bars are connectedtogether by the assembly with the bars so connected together occupying acommon plane.
 10. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein theassembly is symmetrical so that two identically shaped curved bars areconnected together by the assembly with the bars so connected togetheroccupying a common plane, the bars being U-shaped ends of projectingrebars.
 11. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mainbody includes a retainer guideway and the retainer has a guide thattravels on the guideway, the guide and guideway being tapered so thatthe retainer is wedged in position.
 12. A connector assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein the main body includes a retainer guideway and theretainer has a guide that travels on the guideway, the guide beingtapered so that the retainer is wedged in position.
 13. A connectorassembly according to claim 1 wherein the main body includes a retainerguideway and the retainer has a guide that travels on the guideway, theguideway being tapered so that the retainer is wedged in position
 14. Aconnector assembly according to claim 1 wherein any gaps between thebars are filled by the assembly so that compressive movement is blockedand the assembly is symmetrical in side view with the body resistingtension on one side and the retainer bridging the opposite side toresist tension so that force applied to the bars is distributed evenlythrough the assembly.
 15. A connector assembly according to claim 1wherein the second bar is curved and the retainer generates a clampingforce on the curved section of the bar with an outward force applied inthe direction of tension and an inward force opposite the outward force.16. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second bar iscurved and the retainer is wedged against the second bar.
 17. Aconnector assembly according to claim 1 wherein the assembly has twoopposed seats and both bars are curved having curved sections inconfronting relation when located in operative position and the retaineris wedged between the bars.
 18. A connector assembly according to claim1 wherein the assembly has two opposed seats defined as the innerperipheral portion of opposed lands and both bars are curved havingcurved sections in confronting relation and wrapped around therespective lands when located in operative position and the retainer iswedged between the bars applying an outward force to the bars andbridges across the lands applying an inward force to each of the landstending to prevent separation of the lands when tensioned.
 19. Aconnector assembly according to claim 2 wherein the bar connectorassembly enables connection of bars to the assembly so that bars extendfrom the connector in opposite directions.
 20. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the connector assembly is configured andthe bars have ends configured so that the ends may be held captive inthe assembly.
 21. A connector assembly according to claim 2 wherein oneof the said bars is a single non-loop bar having an end projection thatfits into the main body and is held captive.
 22. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the seat section comprises a curved channelinto which a curved section of bar is positioned, the channel being athe boundary of an upstanding land filling the inside of the curvedsection so that upon a load being applied to the bar in tension, theland section aids in retaining the bar in position and inhibits itsdeformation.
 23. A connector assembly according to claim 2 wherein theretainer comprises an edgeways slidable member able to slide into thebody after the bar has been inserted, the bar in combination with theseat section and the retainer serving to secure the retainer and therebythe bar in position in the seat section.
 24. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the retainer bridges across opposite sidesof the body such that the body and retainer have at least one of thebars located between them.
 25. A connector assembly according to claim 2wherein the assembly is symmetrical so that two identically shapedcurved bars are connected together by the assembly with the bars soconnected together occupying a common plane.
 26. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the assembly is symmetrical so that twoidentically shaped curved bars are connected together by the assemblywith the bars so connected together occupying a common plane, the barsbeing U-shaped ends of projecting rebars.
 27. A connector assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the main body includes a retainer guidewayand the retainer has a guide that travels on the guideway, the guide andguideway being tapered so that the retainer is wedged in position.
 28. Aconnector assembly according to claim 2 wherein the main body includes aretainer guideway and the retainer has a guide that travels on theguideway, the guide being tapered so that the retainer is wedged inposition.
 29. A connector assembly according to claim 2 wherein the mainbody includes a retainer guideway and the retainer has a guide thattravels on the guideway, the guideway being tapered so that the retaineris wedged in position
 30. A connector assembly according to claim 2wherein any gaps between the bars are filled by the assembly so thatcompressive movement is blocked and the assembly is symmetrical in sideview with the body resisting tension on one side and the retainerbridging the opposite side to resist tension so that force applied tothe bars is distributed evenly through the assembly.
 31. A connectorassembly according to claim 2 wherein the second bar is curved and theretainer generates a clamping force on the curved section of the barwith an outward force applied in the direction of tension and an inwardforce opposite the outward force.
 32. A connector assembly according toclaim 2 wherein the second bar is curved and the retainer is wedgedagainst the second bar.
 33. A connector assembly according to claim 2wherein the assembly has two opposed seats and both bars are curvedhaving curved sections in confronting relation when located in operativeposition and the retainer is wedged between the bars.
 34. A connectorassembly according to claim 2 wherein the assembly has two opposed seatsdefined as the inner peripheral portion of opposed lands and both barsare curved having curved sections in confronting relation and wrappedaround the respective lands when located in operative position and theretainer is wedged between the bars applying an outward force to thebars and bridges across the lands applying an inward force to each ofthe lands tending to prevent separation of the lands when tensioned.